1898 Southern Victorian, Sanders Place

This is the story of how our passion for historic homes led us to Aberdeen, MS and to our first Queen Anne Victorian home.  Our previous historic homes in Columbus, MS were built earlier in the 19th c.  We purchased Rosedale c. 1856 in 1993 and Magnolia c. 1825 in 1999.

After my husband re-located his dental practice to Olive Branch, MS and a short stay in that area in a brand new home, we longed for the character and graciousness of an historic home.  Our search led us to the hidden treasure of Aberdeen, MS.  Street after street of homes built in another era where style and craftsmanship were king.  My husband, Terry, fell in love at first sight with Sanders Place c. 1898 situated one block from downtown between two churches.  My first reaction was NO!  This was not our era.  Our antiques were from the wrong period for this house. But he LOVED it, so, for once, I let him choose.

The home had been sitting empty for three years.  However, the beautiful woodwork had never been painted, the floor plan had never been changed - it was as it had always been in so many ways.  Only two families had lived at Sanders Place before us.  The last family, The J.T. Sanders family lived in the home for almost 80 years.

The lovely old home had a sad 1950's kitchen, tired 1970's bathrooms and an ancient chair lift on the back staircase.  Every window was closed up with shutters.  there were AC units in the windows upstairs.  Everything needed painting but the 8 foot pocket doors rolled perfectly on their tracks and the 9 fireplace mantels were pristine.  There were 7 bedrooms just waiting to be filled with our kids and their kids.

We purchased Sanders Place in September of 2006.  Once again, our kids and parents thought we were crazy.  We thought we would just have the house for our second home until Terry retired.  It was close to family and 2 miles from the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway.

After only a couple of months, we had fallen in love with the town of Aberdeen.  The people were friendly and the town was quiet and safe.  Terry was ready to sell our new fine home in Collierville, TN to move to Sanders Place and commute the 2 hours to Olive Branch until he could retire.

Our adventure had begun.  I moved into 2 rooms to oversee the work and help out at the Aberdeen Visitors Bureau.  Terry stayed in our Collierville house until it sold in October of 2007.  Our renovation process began in earnest.  Our daughter, Laura, got engaged and they decide that they wanted to get married in Aberdeen.  The reception would be at Sanders Place.

The kitchen was first - Terry demolished the kitchen & the baths.  The floor refinishing and the painting were next.  We had to have it looking great by April 12, 2008. The old, broken concrete sidewalks around the house were removed and brick was layed.  New landscaping was planned.  I think Laura and Donald thought it would never be completed in time!

It was, however, and we began to add the finishing touches.  We enclosed the screened back porch, built a 2 car garage and continued to add landscaping. The wiring was all updated, all the plumbing replaced, a third bath was added, and 2 more central AC systems were installed.

The home has been on the Aberdeen Pilgrimage 4 times, as well as host to many guests to Aberdeen.

Selling Sanders Place

Now that Sanders Place has had her total new facelift, she is ready to face the 21st century.  We love living here.  It is a very comfortable, liveable house.  however, Terry is getting itchy feet already.  He thinks it is time to downsize because the kids now are too busy to visit!  We have already picked out a smaller Victorian to buy if the right person ckomes along for Sanders Place.

We are proud of what we have done to preserve this important piece of Aberdeen history.  But as we look at Terry's retirement, so he can be here in Aberdeen full-time - it, may be time for us to step aside.

We are hoping that someone will find Sanders Place and discover Aberden.  Sanders Place would make a great B & B or event destination.  Her prime location - walking distance to downtown and the Federal Courthouse make it wonderful for visitors to Aberdeen.  there is also a 2 bedroom cotrtage that we own next door that could be rented out as well.  It can be available for sale as well.

Check our listing at http://www.oldhouses.com/ for more information.  Then come for a visit.  You won't be disappointed.